Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Red clover: when and how to prune
Trifolium pratense
Red clover is best pruned in June and September.
| Pruning months | June and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Red clover: when to prune it?
In June, after the first flush of flowers, and again in September.
Red clover: how to prune it?
- Mow at 5–8 cm and leave the hay for a few days so seed can drop; then remove it.
- Mow in stages: always leave a strip standing so bumblebees and butterflies can still find flowers.
- As a green manure in the vegetable garden, cut it before it sets seed and work the leaves lightly into the soil.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: June and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Red clover · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.